Workshops
Our Schools’ Education workshops encourage students to push boundaries while feeling safe in the knowledge that making mistakes can be discoveries; and that the learning journey is paramount, rather than producing a ‘perfect’ result. Our Arts Education for Schools programme is based on the New Zealand Curriculum and supports inquiry and achievement objectives for Years 1 to 13.
Scroll down for more information on our methods of teaching and to browse all workshops currently on offer.
For all Schools' Education enquiries please contact our Learning Manager Megan Carter on
09 838 4455 / learningmanager@ceac.org.nz
Everyone is born an artist and we protect that artist, we allow Individual expression and encourage play, it’s safe to make a mess with us! We inspire imagination, ask open questions, encourage sharing and reflection. Our lesson plans are well developed and open to the child’s own outcome, decision making is an important part of being an artist. We teach complex art concepts in simple ways, students are taught to trust the process. We push boundaries with the knowledge that mistakes can be discoveries and the learning journey is paramount rather than perfection.
Phrases we use in our classes that nurture creative thinking are:
“Art is a journey” “Art is a practice” “Don’t be too hard on yourself, we are all learning” “Remember you are the artist today” “As the artist, there are some decisions that are yours to make”.
We hold space for students to create, we provide a kind, safe environment that welcomes and engages all our manuhiri. We present materials in a beautiful way that reflects our ethos and where possible bring nature/real things into the learning environment. We open doors to different media and tools – print, clay, paint, ink, graphite, Caran d'Ache pastels, charcoal, brushes, sticks, sand, sound, movement - wild combinations!
We are part of the dynamic arts community that is Corban Estate Art Centre and we engage with it for personal development, support, collaboration and art experiences to enhance our students learning. We collaborate with schools' learning needs, bringing an authentic, fresh approach to supporting creative learning in the NZ curriculum. We create ongoing relationships with our schools. We cater to all learning types, creating accessible outcomes for all. Art vocabulary is taught by using and explaining it in our workshops, our educators are professional contemporary artists - we celebrate this!
We acknowledge and encourage Turangawaewae, individual identity, and pride in culture. We love and engage storytellers and storytelling. We teach practical making skills and advocate sustainability.
Tikanga Māori Values That We Actively Practice
Auhatanga - Creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship, problem-solving, learning, confronting challenges and adapting.
Ako - To both teach and learn - a reciprocal non-hierarchical relationship between the student and teacher. Ako acknowledges the knowledge and experiences of both kaiako/teacher and akona/learner in the shared learning experience.
Whanaungatanga - Relationship, kinship, sense of family connection. A relationship built through shared experiences and working together which provides people with a sense of belonging.
Manaakitanga - Hospitality, kindness, generosity, support. The process of showing respect, and care for others.
Kotahitanga – Collaboration, the principle of unity of purpose and direction. It is demonstrated through the achievement of harmony and moving as one.
Kaitiakitanga - Guardianship and protection, stewardship, preservation. Also, as a way of managing the environment, based on the Māori worldview.
Download a copy of our Booking Form to secure dates for your next visit.
For updates on our upcoming term workshops, sign up here and choose 'ARTS EDUCATION FOR SCHOOLS' under the Types of Updates. Past issues can be found here.
Download a copy of our Teacher Info Pack & RAMS ahead of your visit to Corban Estate.
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Megan has been involved across the Arts sector as a producer and coordinator, manager, writer and maker. She exhibited works in The Marketplace of Feeling exhibition at Corban Estate Arts Centre.
Jean has maintained a painting practice for more than 15 years and recently exhibited at Corban Estate Arts Centre in the Shifting Landscapes exhibition.
Penny is a practising artist with works in several private and public collections. Her primary focus lies in identity.
Molly is a painter and embroidery artist whose work focuses on landscapes, heritage and craft. Molly's art knowledge expands to many fields which she loves teaching to all ages throughout her years of art education.
Featured
Available Term 3 2025
Mon 14 July - Fri 19 Sept
Primary - Secondary: Y0+
Step into the tiny world of Aotearoa’s fascinating insects!
In this workshop, tamariki will explore the unique characteristics of local bugs before designing and building their very own 3D insect creations.
Featured
Available Term 3 2025
Mon 14 July - Fri 19 Sept
Primary - Secondary: Y0+
In this workshop students will learn about some of the wonderful freshwater species found in the rivers and creeks of Aotearoa. They will choose one of these creatures to depict in their own way, and through exploration with watercolour techniques create a bright fishy artwork.
Featured
Weekdays by appointment.
Teachers: 18+
Learn skills and techniques employed in our specialised method of art education to help your team build valuable creative solutions for teaching in various ways.
Primary - Secondary
Pakiwaitara - Pakuranga Rahihi: Traditional stories of Tāmaki Makaurau
Available Term 1 & Term 2 2025
Tues 28 Jan - Fri 27 June
Primary - Secondary: Y0+
This workshop commences with a shadow puppet presentation and pakiwaitara (story) voiced by master storyteller Pita Turei, narrating a time of magic and a story of supernatural powers and action.
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Creatures of Waitā
Available Term 2 2025
Mon 28 Apr - Fri 27 June
Primary - Secondary: Y0+
In this workshop we will learn about Matariki star Waitā, who represents salt water and the sea creatures beneath our ocean waves. We will learn technical drawing skills as well as encourage creative exploration using Caran D'Ache pastels to draw our favourite underwater creatures.
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Fabricated Landscapes
Available Term 2 & 3 2025
Mon 28 Apr - Fri 19 Sept
Primary - Secondary: Y0+
In this mixed-media workshop, we will create imaginary landscapes inspired by the mountains, oceans and different terrains of Aotearoa.
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Tī Rākau
Available Term 2 2025
Mon 28 April - Fri 27 June
Primary - Secondary: Y0+
Tamariki will celebrate Matariki by crafting their own tī rākau for the traditional Māori game Tītī Tōrea.
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Pekapeka-tou-roa Zoetrope
Available Term 2 & 3 2025
Mon 28 April - Fri 19 Sept
Primary - Secondary: Y0+
In Henderson Park there lives a colony of Pekapeka-tou-roa—tiny bats flitting through the night, feeding on insects and roosting in the giant ancient trees. In this workshop, students will explore the habitat and behavior of our native long-tailed bats before creating their own zoetrope.
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Ceramic Studio: Treasure Boxes
Available Term 2 2025
Mon 28 April - Fri 27 June
Primary - Secondary: Y0+
In this clay workshop, students will learn hand-building techniques to create their own lidded container. Ocean-inspired objects, creatures or motifs will be used to decorate their boxes.
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Te Aitanga Pepeke – The Insect World
Available Term 3 2025
Mon 14 July - Fri 19 Sept
Primary - Secondary: Y0+
Step into the tiny world of Aotearoa’s fascinating insects!
In this workshop, tamariki will explore the unique characteristics of local bugs before designing and building their very own 3D insect creations.
More
The Fresh Crew
Available Term 3 2025
Mon 14 July - Fri 19 Sept
Primary - Secondary: Y0+
In this workshop students will learn about some of the wonderful freshwater species found in the rivers and creeks of Aotearoa. They will choose one of these creatures to depict in their own way, and through exploration with watercolour techniques create a bright fishy artwork.
More
Ceramic Studio : The Story of Clay
Available Term 3 2025
Mon 14 July - Fri 19 Sep
Primary - Secondary: Y0+
In this pottery fundamentals workshop, we will take a scientific journey into the formation of clay within the earth - finding inspiration in the layers and patterns found in the rocks and water that combine to form clay. We will create a vessel with a lid that can double as a wall hanging or a taonga.
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Creative Kete: Reimagining the Landscape
Available anytime for a limited period.
Primary - Secondary: Y0+
Our debut Creative Kete Video Workshop explores the space between realist and abstract painting by examining three contemporary NZ landscape painters; John Pule, Barbara Tuck and Krystie Wade.
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Intermediate-Secondary
Teachers
Ceramic Studio: Our Coral Reef Community
Available Term 1 2025
Tues 28 Jan - Fri 11 Apr
Primary - Secondary: Y0 - Y13
Celebrating the complex forms and textures of coral reefs inspired by our neighbours in the Pacific, this clay workshop allows for a deep dive into sculptural artistic play. This is a hands-on ceramic workshop where the students' hands craft each step.
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Forests of the Deep Sea
Available Term 1 2025
Tues 28 Jan - Fri 11 Apr
Primary - Secondary: Y0 - Y13
Dive into Aotearoa’s ocean depths with this immersive painting workshop, where creativity meets marine science! Students will create paintings inspired by kelp forests and the fascinating creatures that inhabit them.
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Signs of Place - Urban Abstraction
Available Term 1 2025
Tues 28 Jan - Fri 11 Apr
Primary - Secondary: Y0 - Y13
A bright colourful celebration of the sights, signs and sounds of our city home, encouraging children to identify and celebrate their local urban environment.
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Mythical Me
Available Term 1 2025
Tues 28 Jan - Fri 11 Apr
Primary - Secondary: Y0 - Y13
In this workshop students explore self-portraiture through the lens of fantasy and imagination, transforming themselves into magical creatures.
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Printy Beaks
Available Term 1 2025
Tues 28 Jan - Fri 11 Apr
Primary - Secondary: Y0 - Y13
This workshop takes inspiration from the legacy of the renowned NZ artist, Bill Hammond. Students will have the opportunity to recreate and reinterpret characters from Hammond's paintings, crafting their own unique bird masks.
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Ceramic Studio: Egg Cup Mania
Available Term 4 2024
Mon 14 Oct – Fri 20 Dec
Primary - Secondary: Y0 - Y13
This workshop blends sculptural artistic play with the functionality of an egg cup, taking inspiration from egg cups designed in Aotearoa at Crown Lynn and other quirky examples.
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Stories of Light and Shadow
Available Term 4 2024
Mon 14 Oct – Fri 20 Dec
Primary - Secondary: Y3 - Y13
During this workshop students will discuss the basic elements of storytelling, thinking about how a picture can tell a story.
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My Still Life Masterpiece
Available Term 4 2024
Mon 14 Oct – Fri 20 Dec
Primary - Secondary: Y0 - Y13
This workshop brings a fresh approach to the still-life genre. Students will create an artwork that is influenced by historical drawing techniques as well as contemporary new approaches.
Aotearoa artist Frances Hodgkins will be our inspiration for this workshop, where we will explore the ways that she draws what she sees as well as what she imagines.
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A Dance of Patterns
Available Term 4 2024
Mon 14 Oct – Fri 20 Dec
Primary - Secondary: Y3 - Y13
Design a beautiful unique printed kite that really flies!
In this workshop students will develop a variety of practical skills and problem-solving techniques examining the mathematical nature of patterns, the science of kitemaking, and art design skills in the planning and decorating of their kites.
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Spring Putiputi Watercolours
Available Term 4 2024
Mon 14 Oct – Fri 20 Dec
Primary - Secondary: Y0 - Y13
A workshop born out of conversations around the eclectic gardens of our our mothers and grandmothers, school Ag Days and sand saucer competitions.
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3D Putiputi in Printed Vases
2024
Available through Term 3
Mon 22 July - Fri 27 September
Primary - Secondary: Y0 - Y13
This vibrant print and collage workshop is weighted in observation of the native flora of Aotearoa and the Pacific.
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My Painted Landscape
2024
Available through Term 3
Mon 22 July - Fri 27 September
Primary - Intermediate: Y0 - Y8
This workshop brings to life the tradition of sketching the landscape en plein air.
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Waitī Fresh Water Galaxies
2024
Available through Term 2
Mon 29 April - Fri 5 July
Primary - Intermediate: Y0 - Y8
In this Matariki workshop, participants will delve into the enchanting realm of Waitī, the celestial guardian of freshwater and its hidden inhabitants.
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Taku Hoe
2024
Available through Term 2
Mon 29 April - Fri 5 July
Primary - Intermediate: Y0 - Y8
In this workshop, students will study the significance of Hoe (waka paddles) and the majestic waka vessels they navigate.
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Say It Sky High
2024
Available through Term 3
Mon 22 July - Fri 27 September
Primary - Intermediate: Y3 - Y8
Kites that fly our words high up in the sky. This workshop takes cues from the rich history of Protest art in Aotearoa, and asks young people what they would want to say and then gives them the tools to fly their words high for everyone to see.
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Navigate My Way
Available through Term 1
Mon 29 January - Fri 12 April, 2024
Primary - Secondary: Y0 - Y13
Inspired by the wonderful work of West Auckland Māori contemporary aArtist Warren Pohatu, this workshop is filled with colour and pattern-making.
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Printed Portraiture
Available through Term 1
Mon 29 January - Fri 12 April, 2024
Primary - Secondary: Y0 - Y13
Students will get in touch with their identity and tell their personal story through mark-making and gesture in this mixed-media workshop.
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Seeing the City
Available through Term 1
Mon 29 January - Fri 12 April, 2024
Primary - Secondary: Y0 - Y13
This workshop is designed to teach students that their everyday city surroundings can be valid inspiration for landscape art.
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See Me Go! Action Portraits
Available through Term 4 - Term 1
Mon 9 October, 2023 - Fri 12 April, 2024
Primary - Intermediate: Y0 - Y8
With a focus on storytelling and spontaneity, this workshop presents self-portraiture in a fun and contemporary way.
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A Bag Full of Summer
Available through Term 4
Mon 9 October - Tue 19 December 2023
Primary - Intermediate: Y0 - Y8
This workshop takes a close look at textile design discovering how complex and interesting designs can be achieved from a simple shape through pattern repeat.
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Outside In Landscapes
Available through Term 4
Mon 9 October - Tue 19 December 2023
Primary - Intermediate: Y3 - Y8
This workshop is a fun introduction to the tradition of sketching the landscape en plain air.
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Uku Whistle
Available through Term 3-4
Mon 17 July - Tue 19 December 2023
Primary - Intermediate: Y5 - Y8
This ceramic workshop offers a unique opportunity for students to learn about clay-building techniques, sound waves, and artistic expression.
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Sea Creatures of Tangaroa
Available through Term 3-4
Mon 17 July - Tue 19 December 2023
Primary - Intermediate: Y0 - Y8
This workshop introduces students to the world of ceramics and a range of techniques to create their own sea creature.
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Sound Pictures - Collagraph Printing
Available through Term 3-4
Mon 17 July - Tue 19 December 2023
Primary - Intermediate: Y0 - Y8
In this playful workshop, students will turn sounds into marks, discovering and inventing how to visually represent the sound of things.
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Kinetic Kowhaiwhai
Available through Term 3
Mon 17 July - Fri 22 September 2023
Primary - Intermediate: Y4 - Y8
In this engaging and hands-on workshop, students will discover the beauty and language of kowhaiwhai, a traditional Māori art form.
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Abstract Energies
Available through Term 3
Mon 17 July - Fri 22 September 2023
Primary - Intermediate: Y0 - Y8
In this workshop students will discover the exciting world of abstract painting.
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Bamboo Sheath Landscapes and the art of Stanley Palmer
Available through Term 2
Mon 24 April - Fri 30 June 2023
Primary - Intermediate: Y4 - Y8
Inspired by Aotearoa artist Stanley Palmer, tamariki learn the process of turning a sheet of bamboo into a striking artwork.
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How Trees Talk
Available through Terms 1 & 2
Mon 30 January - Thu 6 April 2023
Mon 24 April - Fri 30 June 2023
Primary - Secondary: Y0 - Y13
In this workshop we will explore the complex systems of trees and how they live in balance and cooperation with other creatures, plants and microorganisms.
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Matariki Poi
Available through Term 2
Mon 24 April - Fri 30 June 2023
Primary - Intermediate: Y0 - Y8
Looking into tikanga and whakpapa, tamariki will take inspiration from a star from the Matariki star cluster and create a foam board design to then print onto fabric and use to cover their own poi ball.
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Tupuārangi - Kai in the Sky
Available through Term 2
Mon 24 April - Fri 30 June 2023
Primary - Secondary: Y0 - Y13
In this Matariki inspired workshop tamariki will learn about the Matariki star cluster, focusing on Tupuārangi, the star associated with kai that comes from the sky, primarily fruits and berries and ngā manu that feed upon them.
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Landscapes of Tamaki Mākaurau
Available through Term 1
Mon 30 January - Thu 6 April 2023
Primary - Secondary: Y0 - Y13
In this workshop students will create a modernist Tamaki Mākarau landscape painting, influenced by the composition and style of famous NZ artist Colin McCahon.
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Rangi and Papa : He ātaahua ēnei whenua (these lands are beautiful)
Available through Term 1
Mon 30 January - Thu 6 April 2023
Primary - Secondary: Y0 - Y13
Inspired by the story of Ranginui and Papatūānuku, students will create a mixed-media landscape about land and sky.
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How Trees Talk
Available through Term 1
Mon 30 January - Thu 6 April 2023
Primary - Secondary: Y0 - Y13
Children will get to experience what it means to make large-scale art as we discuss notions of cooperation, in relationship to how trees work together, looking after each other.
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Monsterous Tiles
Available through Terms 1 & 2
Mon 30 January - Thu 6 April 2023
Mon 24 April - Fri 30 June 2023
Monsters are the theme of this clay session. What weird and wacky monsters can students imagine and then shape their clay into?
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Clay Monster Crew
Available through Terms 1 & 2
Mon 30 January - Thu 6 April 2023
Mon 24 April - Fri 30 June 2023
Primary - Intermediate: Y4 - Y8
Students will be inspired through the combining of different animal features to create the most original clay monster that their imaginations can conceive.
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Cardboard Selfie
Available through Term 1
Mon 30 January - Thu 6 April 2023
Primary - Intermediate: Y3 - Y8
In this workshop students will create a life-sized self-portrait using cardboard and scissors, describing each child’s appearance in cardboard shades.
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An Eclipse of Felted Moths
Available through Terms 1-3
Mon 30 January - Fri 22 September 2023
Primary - Intermediate: Y0 - Y8
Inspired by the beautiful 3D moth installation work of Aotearoa artist Elizabeth Thomson, in this workshop tamariki will create a classroom collection of native moth and butterfly specimens using the age-old technique of wet felting.
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Putiputi in Print
Available through Term 4
17 October - 16 December 2022
Primary - Secondary: Y0 - Y13
A bright happy springtime print and collage workshop weighted in observation of the native flora of Aotearoa.
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Ceramic Studio: Garden Pot Creatures
Available through Term 4
17 October - 16 December 2022
Primary - Secondary: Y0 - Y13
In this clay workshop, students will use hand-building techniques to design and shape their very own bowl or vessel.
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Selfie Frida Styles
Available through Term 4
17 October - 16 December 2022
Primary - Secondary: Y0 - Y13
In this workshop students will create a vibrant mixed media self-portrait in the style of the fabulous Frida Kahlo.
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Nature Journaling and Book Construction
Available through Term 4
17 October - 16 December 2022
Primary - Secondary: Y0 - Y13
Introduces classical and contemporary bookbinding techniques using a range of materials.
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Shadowy Fun Story Theatre
Available through Term 4
17 October - 16 December 2022
Primary - Intermediate: Y1 - Y2
Taking inspiration from NZ artists who use shadow techniques in their practice, students will explore the age-old technique of telling stories through shadow and light.
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Rock Pool Party
Available through Term 3
25 July - 29 September 2022
Primary - Intermediate: Y0 - Y8
Discover the resilient, charismatic creatures of Tangaroa’s rock pool whānau.
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Night Critters
Available through Term 3
25 July - 29 September 2022
Primary - Intermediate: Y0 - Y8
Inspired by the colourful compositions of Warren Pouhatu’s intricate drawings, this workshop looks at native species in Aotearoa who thrive in the dark.
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Clay Studio – Vessels
Available through Term 3
25 July - 29 September 2022
Primary - Intermediate: Y0 - Y8
Wonderful hands-on clay workshop providing an opportunity for kids to get their finger muscles moving and their hand-eye coordination happening.
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Tāwhirimātea Hits the West Coast
Available through Term 3
25 July - 29 September 2022
Primary - Intermediate: Y0 - Y8
Based on the wild west coast seascapes of Tāmaki Makaurau, this workshop will weave in tales of Tāwhirimātea (the Atua of weather) as the students try out a variety of techniques designed to align with the feeling of a stormy windswept beach.
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Rūaumoko and the Volcanic Landscape of Tāmaki Makaurau
Available through Term 3
25 July - 29 September 2022
Primary - Intermediate: Y0 - Y8
A creative response to story and science through the formation of our local landscape, a land of lava and strata.
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Haere Mai Ngā Kuaka
Available through Term 3
25 July - 29 September 2022
Primary - Intermediate: Y0 - Y8
In this workshop, children will create their own flying Kuaka to take home as well as participate in a collaborative drawing of flight for the classroom.
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